Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Thursday led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Hero 's Cemetery in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City east to Manila, to open a four-day celebration of the 21st anniversary of the 1986 popular uprising against former President Ferdinand Marcos.

The 1986 uprising, also called EDSA People Power in reference to the name of the thoroughfare where people demonstrated at that time, led to the downfall of Marcos who was then ruling the Philippines with martial laws, and put former President Corazon Aquino in power.

Arroyo is also expected to make a strong appeal for national unity during the celebration, as the theme of this year's celebration is "Unity for the country."

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who is the chairman of a commission in charge of the celebration, said it is time for Filipinos to set aside differences and unite to move the nation forward.

The Philippines is preparing to hold mid-term elections of Senate and local governments in May and both pro-administration and opposition parties have presented their candidates for the Senate.

Meanwhile, military and police have been put on red alert "to thwart any plan to disrupt the celebration by any group," according to police authorities.

The anniversary took place exactly one year after the government foiled a coup plot by some military officers, resulting in a declaration of state of emergency by Arroyo.

Military and police said they have received no information indicating that a similar plot could take place this time.

Source: Xinhua